#39 - RABAUL attack - January 20 to 23, 1942

AI-157 was flown by a wingman of carrier IJN Akagi during Rabaul operation.Admiral Nagumo's carrier force with IJN Akagi, Kaga, Shokaku and Zuikaku struck Rabaul, Kavieng and Lae from January 20 until 23, 1942. On January 20, during the first attack on Rabaul, Lt. Cmdr. Fuchida led 109 planes and only one B5N2 from Kaga was shot down by Australian anti-aircraft fire. The crew PO1c Michinari Sugihara (Pilot), PO1c Katsuo Yamamoto (observer) and PO2c Yoshikazu Tanaka (radio operator/gunner) were KIA. On January 23, during the last raid on Rabaul, carrier Kaga lost another plane, one A6M2 fighter flown by PO2c Isao Hiraishi. INFO CREDIT: book JAPANESE NAVAL ACES AND FIGHTER UNITS IN WORLD WAR II, by Ikuhiko Hata and Yasuho Izawa.You can see a photo of the B5N2 shot down at: http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b5n/mother.html

AI-157 photoThis photo shows activity on Akagi's flight deck on January 20, 1942. Is possible to see Vals, Kates and Zeros on flight deck.PHOTO CREDIT: book FAOW – FAMOUS Aircraft of the World # 55, type Zero carrier fighter model 11-21, by Bunrindo Co, Ltd., year 1995.